The bottom of the barrel Meaning in English
expression
Definition
This expression means the least desirable people or things in a group, or what is left when all the best options are gone.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and often used in a negative, sometimes humorous way. Commonly appears as 'scraping the bottom of the barrel' to emphasize being forced to choose from the worst. Not to be used for high-quality or normal choices.
Example Sentences
We hired the last worker from the bottom of the barrel.
basic
At the sale, all that was left was the bottom of the barrel.
basic
This team is really the bottom of the barrel this year.
basic
Honestly, his jokes are the bottom of the barrel.
natural
We’re really scraping the bottom of the barrel looking for volunteers now.
natural
By the end of the party, we were eating the bottom of the barrel snacks.
natural